Dispensers having restrictive apertures for the controlled removal of consumable goods

ABSTRACT

A dispenser includes a panel, a retention member and at least one aperture. The retention member is coupled to the panel. The retention member includes a shaped portion and a pair of arms that couple the shaped portion to the panel. The aperture extends through the panel. In one embodiment, a first aperture may be located on a first side of the retention member and a second aperture may be located on a second side of the retention member. A peripheral profile of the aperture is defined by the panel, the retention member or both.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/190,613, filed on Jul. 9, 2015, and the subject matter of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to dispensers having restrictive apertures, and more specifically directed to dispensers having restrictive apertures for the controlled removal of consumable goods.

BACKGROUND

Conventional dispensers either inadequately retain or over dispense consumable goods such as, but not limited to, gloves, facemasks, gowns, tissues or wipes, pads or covers, etc. By way of example, a box of latex, disposable gloves typically comes with a perforated cutout in the top or front from which the individual are removed. When the gloves are inserted into the box by the manufacturer they are generally blown or stuffed into the box randomly. In turn, this causes the gloves to become intertwined with each other. Thus, as a consumer attempts to remove a single glove from the perforated opening, multiple gloves may be pulled out at once.

When such a box is placed into a dispenser, the conventional aperture in such a dispenser is larger than the cutout in the box, which means that the conventional dispenser aperture does not mitigate or Mate the problem of over dispensing. One common consequence of over dispensing is that some of the consumable goods fall to the floor and become contaminated, and thus unusable. Additionally or alternatively, the perforated cutout in the box, over time, often becomes torn and pliable to the extent that it may no longer sufficiently retain the consumable goods even while the box is supported in the dispenser.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present invention, a dispenser includes a panel, a retention member and at least two apertures. The retention member is coupled to the panel. The retention member includes a shaped portion and a pair of arms that couple the shaped portion to the panel. The two apertures extend through the panel with a first aperture located on a first side of the retention member and a second aperture located on a second side of the retention member. A peripheral profile of each aperture is defined by the panel, the retention member or both.

In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the first and second apertures are located symmetrically with respect to the retention member. The shaped portion of the retention member includes a bulbous portion. The panel includes at least one protuberance that extends into at least one of the first aperture or the second aperture. Additionally or alternatively, the panel may be rigid, flexible, replaceable or some combination thereof.

In another aspect of the present invention, a dispenser includes a panel and a retention member. The retention member is coupled to the panel. The retention member defines at least two apertures that extend through the panel with a first aperture located on a first side of the retention member and a second aperture located on a second side of the retention member. The panel includes at least one protuberance that extends into the first or second aperture.

In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the first and second apertures are located symmetrically with respect to the retention member. The retention member includes a shaped portion extending from a central portion of the retention member. Additionally or alternatively, the panel may be rigid, flexible, replaceable or some combination thereof.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a dispenser includes a panel and a shaped aperture. The panel includes a panel surface area defined by a plurality of edges. The shaped aperture extends through the panel and is centered relative to the panel surface area. The panel includes at least one protuberance extending into the shaped aperture. And, the shaped aperture is configured to be symmetric with respect to at least one of a first centerline defined by the panel surface area or a second centerline defined by the panel surface area.

In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the shaped aperture is generally X-shaped.

In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the first centerline may be parallel to a first one of the plurality of edges, which may be a horizontal edge of the panel.

In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the second centerline may be parallel to a second one of the plurality of edges, which may be a vertical edge of the panel.

In at least some other aspects of the present invention, the dispenser may include a retention member that extends across the aperture, the retention member may include a shaped portion that may have a bulbous configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings may not be necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles may not be drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged or positioned to improve drawing legibility. Preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings

FIG. 1 a schematic, perspective view of a multi-goods dispenser according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2A a schematic, perspective view of a single dispenser having a retention member according to at least some embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2B a front elevational view of a front panel of the single dispenser of FIG. 2A;

FIGS. 3A-3D are schematic, perspective views of replacement panels having various retention member and aperture configurations according to various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 a schematic, perspective view of a single dispenser having a shaped aperture according to at least some embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 a schematic, perspective view of a replacement panel having a shaped aperture according to at least some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of the invention. However, one skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well known structures associated with dispensers and organizers for consumable goods, assemblies and subassemblies of the same, and methods of using, assembling and installing any of the above have not necessarily been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments of the invention.

The present invention is generally directed to dispensers and organizers for consumable goods, assemblies and subassemblies of the same, and more specifically directed to dispensers and organizers having restrictive apertures for the controlled removal of consumable goods. U.S. Patent Publish No. 2014/0361024; and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 14/803,982 and 14/708,673 provide various descriptions regarding dispensers and other aspects related to dispensers, and each of the aforementioned patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The present invention may also overcome some of the problems related to conventional dispenser apertures such as, but not limited to, over dispensing and inadequate retention. In some embodiments, the dispenser may hold a single consumable goods box or may hold several consumable goods boxes where each box may dispense a different type of consumable goods.

This invention generally relates to personal protection equipment (PPE) storage organizers (hereinafter referred to as dispensers) for dispensing consumable goods such as, but not limited to, gloves, facemasks, gowns, wipes, pads, etc. for industries such as, but not limited to, medical, healthcare, education, foodservice, transportation, office, sports, and industrial. For purposes of the present description, a “dispenser” is generally understood to be a container, receptacle, vessel, organizer or some other structure that provides for the storage of and also permits the removal of items or of a particular type of thing from the dispenser.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic, perspective view of a multi-goods dispenser 10 having a front panel 12 configured with a variety of different shaped apertures 14. In at least some embodiments, a box 16 with consumable goods 18 are accessible via the apertures 14. In other embodiments, the consumable goods 18 are placed in the dispenser 10 without being constrained by or held within a box. Further, at least some of the boxes 16 includes a perforated box cutout 20, in which a perforated panel was previously removed to permit access to and removal of the consumable goods 18.

FIG. 2A shows a schematic, perspective view of a single dispenser 100 that is mountable to a vertical surface (not shown). The single dispenser 100 embodiment is illustrated for purposes of brevity and clarity, however, it is appreciated and understood that the dispenser may take the form of dispenser 10 of FIG. 1. The single dispenser 100 includes a viewable or front panel 102. Two adjacent apertures 106 are formed in the front panel 102 and are separated by a retention member 108. In at least some embodiments, the aperture(s) 106 and the retention member 108 cooperate to provide a uniquely configured opening that permits adequate retention of consumable goods and reduces over dispensing regardless of the condition of the manufacture's consumable goods box.

Referring to FIG. 2B, the shape of the retention member 108 and overall size of the apertures 106 cooperate to define the retention and controlled dispensing efficacy of the single dispenser 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention member 108 includes arms 110 and a shaped portion 112. The arms 110 each extend from the shaped portion 112 to couple it to the front panel 102. In at least some embodiments, the shaped portion 112 takes the form of a bulbous portion that is centrally located relative an area of the front panel 102. It is appreciated that the shaped portion 112 could take a variety of shapes such as, but not limited to, elliptical, polygonal, rectangular, square, or triangular shapes. Similarly, the arms 110 take the form of straight strips, but may also be rounded or have some other configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the retention member 108 may include more than one shaped portion where each shaped portion is coupled to the panel or to another shaped portion by additional arms.

In a preferred embodiment, the retention member 108 operates to create the two shaped apertures 106 that are symmetrically arranged relative to the retention member 108. Additionally or alternatively, the apertures 106 and the shaped portion 112 may be sized and otherwise configured based on the type of consumable good to be dispensed. By way of example, the apertures' overall profile along with the configuration of the retention member 108 cooperate to compliment a natural dispensing of the consumable goods while also providing a means of controlling and restricting the flow of consumable goods. Stated otherwise, the retention member and the shaped apertures allow for the intentional or purposeful selection of consumable goods from the dispenser while reducing the likelihood that some goods may be discharged by the force of gravity because of a worn manufacturer box cutout or some good may become entangled with other goods.

In at least some embodiments, the front panel 102, the retaining member 108, or both, is rigid or flexible.

FIGS. 3A-3D show schematic, perspective views of a variety of replacement panels according to various embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 3A shows a replacement panel assembly 200 having a panel 202 and an attachment member 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment member 204 takes the form of a lip, but it is appreciated that the replacement panel 200 could be attached to a dispenser in a variety of ways such as, but not limited to, fastener, adhesive, magnets, etc. Like the dispenser described above, the replacement panel 200 includes shaped apertures 206 that are separated by a retention member 208, which in turn includes panel attachment arms 210 and a shaped portion 212.

FIG. 3B shows another replacement panel assembly 300 having a panel 302 and an attachment member 304. A retention member 308 takes the form of a straight arm, slat or bar that separates shaped apertures 306. The shape of the apertures 306 is determined, in part, by a protuberance 314 extending from the panel 302. This protuberance 314 cooperates with the retention member 308 to provide selective and controlled disbursement of consumable goods from a dispenser.

FIG. 3C shows another replacement panel assembly 400 having a panel 402 and an attachment member 404. A retention member 408 takes the form of a straight arm, slat or bar that separates shaped apertures 406. The shape of the apertures 406 cooperates with the retention member 408 to provide selective and controlled disbursement of consumable goods from a dispenser.

FIG. 3D shows another replacement panel assembly 500 having a panel 502 and an attachment member 504. Instead of a retention member, the panel includes a single, shaped aperture that extends through the panel. The aperture 506 includes a first pair of protuberances 514 that extend from top and bottom portions of the panel 502, respectively. The aperture 506 also includes a second pair of protuberances 516 that extend from side portions of the panel 502, respectively. Optionally, the panel 502 may include other protuberances or contours. The shape of the aperture 506 operates to provide selective and controlled disbursement of consumable goods from a dispenser.

FIG. 4 shows a single dispenser 600 having a front panel 602 with a shaped aperture 606. The panel 602 includes a panel surface area defined by a plurality of edges. The shaped aperture extends through the panel 602 and is centered relative to the panel surface area. The panel 602 includes at least one protuberance 618 extending into the shaped aperture 606. However, the panel 602 may include additional protuberances 620 that extend into the shaped aperture 606 in a variety of directions. In the illustrated embodiment, the configuration of the aperture 606 and the protuberances 618, 620 provide the shaped aperture with generally an X-shape; however, other shapes are certainly possible. Additionally, the shaped aperture 606 is configured to be symmetric with respect to at least one of a first centerline 622 defined by the panel surface area, a second centerline 624 defined by the panel surface area, or both. By way of example, the X-shape is symmetric about both centerlines 622, 624. In another embodiment, the shaped aperture 606 may be symmetric about a different line or may simply have a non-symmetric shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the first centerline is parallel to a horizontal edge of the panel. Similarly, the second centerline is parallel to a vertical edge of the panel.

While the front panel 602 is illustrated as part of the single dispenser 600, it is appreciated and understood that the front panel 602 may be part of a larger front panel for a multi-goods dispenser as shown in FIG. 1.

By way of example, FIG. 5 shows a replacement panel assembly 700 having a panel 702 and an attachment lip 704. A shaped aperture 706 extends through the panel 702 and generally has an X-shape like the aperture 606 of FIG. 4.

The aperture, apertures and retention members may be part of single dispenser, a multi-goods dispenser or may take the form of a replacement panel. The shaped apertures may be advantageously configured to reduce over dispensing of consumable goods. In at least one embodiment, the shaped aperture includes a peripheral profile that allows selective, controlled dispensing while reducing the amount of waste from over dispensing or accidentally discharging consumable goods.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, other advantages will also be apparent to those of skill in the art with respect to any of the above-described embodiments whether viewed individually or in some combination thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow. 

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is:
 1. A dispenser comprising: a panel; a retention member coupled to the panel, the retention member having a shaped portion and a pair of arms coupling the shaped portion to the panel; and at least two apertures extending through the panel with a first aperture located on a first side of the retention member and a second aperture located on a second side of the retention member, wherein a peripheral profile of each aperture is defined by the panel, the retention member or both.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first and second apertures are located symmetrically with respect to the retention member.
 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the shaped portion of the retention member is a bulbous portion.
 4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel includes at least one protuberance that extends into at least one of the first aperture or the second aperture.
 5. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is rigid.
 6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is flexible.
 7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is a replacement panel.
 8. A dispenser comprising: a panel; and a retention member coupled to the panel, the retention member defining at least two apertures that extend through the panel with a first aperture located on a first side of the retention member and a second aperture located on a second side of the retention member, wherein the panel includes at least one protuberance that extends into the first or second aperture.
 9. The dispenser of claim 8, wherein the first and second apertures are located symmetrically with respect to the retention member.
 10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the retention member includes a shaped portion extending from a central portion of the retention member.
 11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is rigid.
 12. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is flexible.
 13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the panel is a replacement panel.
 14. A dispenser comprising: a panel having a panel surface area defined by a plurality of edges; and a shaped aperture extending through the panel, wherein the shaped aperture is centered relative to the panel surface area, wherein the panel includes at least one protuberance extending into the shaped aperture, and wherein the shaped aperture is configured to be symmetric with respect to at least one of a first centerline defined by the panel surface area or a second centerline defined by the panel surface area.
 15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the shaped aperture is generally X-shaped.
 16. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the first centerline is parallel to a first one of the plurality of edges.
 17. The dispenser of claim 16, wherein the first one of the plurality of edges is a horizontal edge of the panel.
 18. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein the second centerline is parallel to a second one of the plurality of edges.
 19. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein the second one of the plurality of edges is a vertical edge of the panel.
 20. The dispenser of claim 14, further comprising a retention member extending across the aperture, wherein the retention member includes a bulbous portion. 